The best things to see and do in Venice
Considering its humble beginnings as a muddy swamp, Venice has come a long way. Today tourists flock to its labyrinth of streets, canals and bridges to see the embarrassment of architectural gems and artistic masterpieces on offer. Take a trip to this city and soak up some of the magic that has inspired artists from the Renaissance to the present day. Reachable by train in just three and a half hours, Venice, also nicknamed La Serenissima – “Most Serene”, will mesmerize you with its magical atmosphere of canals, bridges, and beautiful palazzi, and the numerous cultural and culinary treats in store for you will make this an unforgettable trip. And if you come by in February, prepare for its world-famed Carnevale.
Explore the city
As you’re walking around in Venice, you will inevitably end up in the city’s largest square, Piazza San Marco, La piazza. Allegedly called “the drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, this piazza boasts some impressive sights, such as the city’s cathedral, the St. Mark’s Basilica with (replicas of) the four Horses of St. Mark, and the adjacent Doge’s Palace. Another city landmark is the red brick Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark’s, which famously collapsed in 1902, and was rebuilt in 1912. Other sights not to be missed, are, of course, the Canal Grande, the city’s main canal, and its famous Rialto bridge.
Check out Modern and Contemporary Art
Within the city’s historical fairy-tale setting, Venice is home to one of the most important museums for modern art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Located on the Canal Grande, in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum holds an important collection of American and European Art of the 20th century, including works by Picasso, Braque, de Chirico, Miró, Magritte, and Klee, to name but a few.
Visit the Venice Biennale
Venice is also home to the famous Venice Biennale, an international contemporary art exhibition held every two years. Founded in 1895, it is the world’s oldest biennial. In 2026, visitors can explore the 61st International Art Exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, curated by Koyo Kouoh, running from 9 May to 22 November 2026 (preview days: 6, 7 and 8 May).
The exhibition traditionally unfolds across the Giardini, where many countries present their National Pavilions, and the Arsenale, the city’s historic shipyard, which hosts a major curated exhibition. In 2026, the Biennale also extends to Forte Marghera and to other venues around Venice, turning the whole city into part of the experience.
Visit Teatro La Fenice
If you’re passionate about classical music, don’t miss the chance to visit one of Europe’s most famous opera houses, the Teatro La Fenice at the Campo San Fantin.
Explore the islands of Murano and Burano
If you’re in Venice for a long weekend, you might want to consider exploring some of the surrounding small islands. Take a vaporettoand go to Murano to learn about the famous Murano glass, or to Burano that stands out with its brightly coloured small palazzi.
Indulge in Food & Drinks
Venice is a wonderful place for eating and drinking, and there’s something for every budget. If you don’t want to spend money on a restaurant, or only want to have a quick bite, just go to any of the many local bacari, Venetian bars scattered throughout the city. In addition to a glass of wine or a spritz (and in Venice they start early and drink a lot), these cozy bars usually offer thickly filled tramezzini (no comparison to Roman tramezzini!) or cicheti– appetizers, such as slices of bread with baccalà, at a very reasonable price. Try Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, one of the more famouscichetiplaces close to the city’s only operating gondola shipyard, or Vino Vero in the quieter neighbourhood of Cannaregio. Among the numerous restaurants in the city, try either Oliva Nera or Da Jonny for good and reasonably priced local food. If you’re willing to spend more, consider going to the famous La Caravella, located just behind La Fenice.
Experience the Carnevale di Venezia
Venice is of course also well known for its famous carnival, taking place every year in February, and adding even more magic to the city. The official festivities start on the Cannaregio Canal with the Festa Veneziana sull’acqua, a parade of dance, music, and theatre, with other events, such as the Volo dell’Angelo, involving an angel flying along a zipwire from the Campanile in St. Mark’s square, and the Ballo del Doge, a masquerade ball held at Palazzo Pisani Moretta. Don’t leave without tasting frittelle – these fried doughnuts will provide a much-needed energy boost to keep you going throughout the festivities.
